16 March 2012 11:55 AM

F1 2012: The ones to watch this season

The 2012 Formula One season is finally underway as the beautiful surroundings of Albert Park in Melbourne played host to 24 roaring V8 engines on Friday.

And what did we learn from the two rain-affected practice sessions? Unfortunately, not a great deal.

McLaren appeared to reinforce the theory that they'll start on the front foot this term after Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton posted the fastest times of the day in the first session.

On the Button: The British star was fastest on Friday morning

Mercedes seem to have made strives forward over the winter with Michael Schumacher topping the timesheets in the afternoon.

Red Bull were very much sandbagging, while Ferrari, in the hands of Fernando Alonso at least, might not be as far off the pace as they feared.

With dry running forecast for the remainder of the weekend, we'll have to wait until the end of the final practice session on Saturday morning to get a better indication of where all the teams stand.

Until then, I'd like you to cast your eyes over the five drivers who I think might spring a surprise in 2012.

Paul di Resta

Nationality: GBRTeam: Force IndiaAge: 25Grands Prix starts: 19

On the Paul: Di Resta will be keen to build on last season

After following in the footsteps of Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton in winning the AUTOSPORT Rookie of the Year award, Paul di Resta will be keen to build on an impressive first year in the sport.

The Scot finished a respectable 13th in last year's drivers' championship, and sprung a major surprise when he out-qualified Hamilton's McLaren at the British Grand Prix.

Heir to the throne? The Scotsman would be interested in a move to Mercedes

Michael Schumacher's three-year deal with Mercedes expires at the end of this season, and Di Resta, who has strong links with the German team, will be among the candidates to replace the seven-times champion if his contract isn't renewed.

Daniel Ricciardo

Nationality: AUSTeam: Toro RossoAge: 22Grands Prix starts: 11

Centre of attention: Ricciardo is racing in his first home grand prix this weekend

Daniel Ricciardo is set to compete in his first full F1 campaign with Red Bull's junior team Toro Rosso this year.

The highly-rated Australian made his F1 track debut at the end-of-season young drivers' test in 2009, where he was a staggering one second quicker than any of his competitors.

Aussie rules: Ricciardo is highly thought of by Red Bull

After starting last season as Toro Rosso's reserve driver, he joined backmarkers HRT for the final 11 races. He made his debut at the British Grand Prix, and then out-qualified his more experienced team-mates on five occasions.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has recently hinted that Ricciardo is a prime contender to replace Mark Webber should the 35-year-old call time on his F1 career at the end of this season.

Heikki Kovalainen

Nationality: FINTeam: CaterhamAge: 30Grands Prix starts: 89

Back on track: Kovalainen is set for his third season with Caterham

After two largely unsuccessful seasons playing second fiddle to Lewis Hamilton at McLaren, Heikki Kovalainen has rediscovered his form and confidence with the newly-rebranded Caterham F1 team.

Set for his third season with the British-based marque, the Finn has established himself as the team's lead driver after out-qualifing Jarno Trulli, axed for this season, on 16 occasions last term.

Challenge: Caterham could launch an assault on the midfield runners this term

Caterham, formally Team Lotus, are hopeful of making gains on the midfield, and providing that's the case, expect Kovalainen to shine.

Jean-Eric Vergne

Nationality: FRATeam: Toro RossoAge: 21Grands Prix starts: 0

Jean-Eric Vergne (right) is a largely unknown quantity, but alongside Daniel Ricciardo at Toro Rosso, the Frenchman forms the youngest driver partnership on the grid. Indeed, at a combined total of 43, the pairing are the same age as Michael Schumacher.

Vergne, one of two rookies on the grid this term, is highly thought of by those at Red Bull and is considered to have the most outright speed of all their young drivers.

Vergne, a former British F3 champion, knows that an impressive campaign could earn him a drive with the reigning world champions in 2013.

Bruno Senna

Nationality: BRATeam: WilliamsAge: 28Grands Prix starts: 26

Eighteen years after Ayrton Senna was killed at the wheel of a Williams, his nephew, Bruno, ensures the iconic name is once again associated with the famous British team.

But while Ayrton joined with Williams winning world titles, Bruno's arrival comes off the back of their worst-ever campaign after they scored a dismal five points.

Flying the flag: Senna will drive for Williams this season

Senna brings huge financial backing from his native Brazil but merits his place alongside Pastor Maldonado after impressing with Lotus-Renault at the back end of last season.

Providing Williams up their game in 2012, Senna has the ability to put the smiles back on the faces of everybody at the Grove-based outfit this season.

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